Types of containers used for clinical packaging

Ampoule 

A container sealed by fusion and to be opened exclusively by breaking. The contents are intended for use on one occasion only. 

Bag 

A container consisting of surfaces, whether or not with a flat bottom, made of flexible material, closed at the bottom and at the sides by sealing; the top may be closed by fusion of the material, depending on the intended use. 

Blister 

A multi-dose container consisting of two layers, of which one is shaped to contain the individual doses. Strips are excluded. bottle A container with a more or less pronounced neck and usually a flat bottom. 

Cartridge 

A container, usually cylindrical, suitable for liquid or solid pharmaceutical dosage forms; generally for use in a specially designed apparatus (e.g. a prefilled syringe). 

Gas cylinder 

A container, usually cylindrical, suitable for compressed, liquefied or dissolved gas, fitted with a device to regulate the spontaneous outflow of gas at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. 

Injection needle 

A hollow needle with a locking device intended for the administration of liquid pharmaceutical dosage forms. 

Injection syringe 

A cylindrical device with a cannula-like nozzle, with or without a fixed needle and a movable piston, used for the administration, usually parenteral, of an accurately measured quantity of a liquid pharmaceutical form. The syringe may be prefilled, and can be for single-dose or multi-dose use. 

Pressurized container 

A container suitable for compressed, liquefied or dissolved gas fitted with a device that, after its actuation, produces a controlled spontaneous release of the contents at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. 

Single-dose container 

A container for single doses of solid, semi-solid or liquid preparations. 

Strip 

A multi-dose container consisting of two layers, usually provided with perforations, suitable for containing single doses of solid or semi-solid preparations. Blisters are excluded. 

Tube 

A container for multi-dose semi-solid pharmaceutical forms consisting of collapsible material; the contents are released via a nozzle by squeezing the package. 

Vial 

A small container for parenteral medicinal products, with a stopper and overseal; the contents are removed after piercing the stopper. Both single-dose and multi-dose types exist.